Guest Commentary

California Wildfires

My turn: We must reduce fire risk. Here are steps California must take

Some people say that climate change has made megafires inevitable. Others claim that forest thinning and fuel reduction treatments may actually increase fire intensity. Neither argument should be an excuse for inaction. So what can be done to reduce the chance of another Paradise type disaster? Here are a few steps:

By Guest Commentary • January 8, 2019

Commentary

My turn: Here’s a way to help California get moving again

Public-private partnerships offer opportunities that share risk, save money and yield the best value for all—public agencies, users, and taxpayers. For the sake of commuters and our economy, California lawmakers should reauthorize public-private partnerships.

By Guest Commentary • January 8, 2019

Commentary

My turn: What mattered on Jan. 7, 1919

On Jan. 7, 1919, Gov. William Stephens gave his inaugural speech, as Newsom will 100 years later, to the day. Many of the words he used to set the tone of his governorship echo to this day.

By Guest Commentary • January 7, 2019

Commentary

My turn: Lessons from ‘The People’s Governor’ apply to Newsom

There probably won’t be 440 press credentials issued for Gavin Newsom’s inaugural on Monday. But although the press corps in Sacramento has declined, it still matters. A relevant press corps can hold officials accountable and help drive positive public policy.

By Guest Commentary • January 6, 2019

Commentary

My turn: As Habematolel Pomo rise, we look to California to continue embracing tribes’ sovereignty

Despite efforts to destroy us, we have persevered. In the past 20 years, the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake have begun to reestablish our government and, with it, our dignity, culture and identity.

By Guest Commentary • January 3, 2019

Commentary

My turn: Higher ed is a prerequisite for our future. Community colleges are key to that

Higher education is the lynchpin to our future. Now, as we enter a new era of leadership, we have a chance to think big and be unapologetically bold with solutions to ensure that future is bright for Californians and the state economy alike.

By Guest Commentary • January 2, 2019

Commentary

My turn: What other states can teach California about preschool for all

California must institute "Pre-K for All."  We intend to put the needs of the youngest Californians and their families front and center. It’s fundamental to helping California reclaim its historic tradition of leading the nation in education, especially for its most vulnerable children.

By Guest Commentary • January 2, 2019

Commentary

My turn: Who is dying of drug overdoses? Not who you might think

Politicians and agencies recite the same old playbook blaming recurring drug scourges on people they most fear and hate, especially immigrants and teenagers. In fact, teenagers and immigrants are the only groups showing hopeful trends. Teens were the only age group to show a decline in drug deaths in recent years. Ads should be advising teens to get the pills away from the grownups.

By Guest Commentary • December 30, 2018

Climate Change

My turn: Smart land use policy can help combat climate change

Through strategic land management, planning, and conservation practices, we can use our natural and working forests, parks, ranch land and farms to store carbon, and help cut greenhouse gas emissions while preparing for hotter, drier conditions.

By Guest Commentary • December 28, 2018

Commentary

My turn: Corporate boards must avoid ‘check-the-box’ mentality as they diversify

Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law requiring California-based publicly traded corporations to add women to their boards. Qualified women are available. Women should be added for their skills, not simply to increase gender diversity. The recent California legislation, however, does not address how increasing diversity impacts boardroom deliberations.

By Guest Commentary • December 27, 2018